Dislaimer: Again, I OWN NOTHING! Except- well, never mind. I do enjoy the company of the characters though :)

Only Hope

Jordan sat at her computer typing up an autopsy report when she heard a knock.

"Who is it?" she inquired.

"NCIS," a voice outside replied.

"It's open."

A women, late 20s early 30s walked in.

"Special Agent Kate Todd. Are you Jordan Hampton?"

"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?"

"Ziva wanted me to find you."

"Why? Is Donny ok?"

"Sorry, who?"

"Oh God. Sorry. I meant Dr. Mallard."

Jordan blushed at the mistake. She knew she was the only one who called him that, and only Agent Gibbs knew she called him that.

"Right. Yes, he's fine. It's just, he recently ended a relationship with a sadistic psychopath. Ziva figured that if anyone could help him, it would be you."

"Oh. Ok. I'll come with you."

They walked outside and drove the short distance to NCIS. Jordan parked, got out of her car, and sprinted to autopsy. When she got there, she paused. She wondered if he remembered her. Would he think she was desperate? Taking a deep breath, she walked in to find him sitting at his desk looking lost.

"I told you I would be right there Jethro," Ducky sighed.

"You never told me that Donny."

Ducky looked up, and noticing Jordan standing in the doorway, stood up.

"Jordan?" Ducky asked looking, and sounding, bewildered.

"Yes?"

Saying nothing, Ducky slowly walked over to her and pulled her into a warm embrace. Jordan closed her eyes as he held her against him. They stood there for a few minutes, each one accepting the warmth and comfort of the embrace.

When he let go of her, he put his hands on her shoulders, staring into her eyes.

"Jordan, I…"

"You…"

"Why did you come back?"

"I missed you Donny. When Kate told me what happened, I knew I couldn't keep ignoring you. I had to come see if you were ok."

"Thank you Jordan. I- I missed you too."

"Would you like a ride home?"

"I already have one from Jethro, but I don't think he would mind."

They linked arms and, after telling Gibbs about the transportation change, walked out to Jordan's car.

"Why didn't you call?" Jordan asked as she drove.

"I wondered what a woman as young and as beautiful as yourself would want with a man as old as me."

"Donny, I-"

"Really Jordan. I am nearly twice your age."

"Donny, I- I- I- Never mind."

"Jordan… What is it? Also, before I forget, would you like to stay at my house tonight so we can catch up?"

"I would… I mean, if that is ok with you."

"It is perfectly fine my dear."

"Anyway, as I was saying earlier, I love you Donny."

"I- I love you too Jordan."

Jordan's heart leapt. She loved the way he said her name. His Scottish tinged accent was soothing, comforting to her.

After a fairly short drive, they arrived at his house. She followed him inside and sat down on the couch next to him, putting her head on his shoulder. Ducky draped his arm around her and held her.

Jordan had truly missed him, and she felt it was fate that brought them back together. She hadn't seen him for three years, and she was amazed that he still had feelings for her. Truthfully, she had not thought about him for at least six months. She now regretted it.

"Wow. I-"

"I hadn't realised how much I missed you until now Jordan."

"I was just about to say the same thing."

"You were?"

"Yes."

Jordan got into bed next to him and fell asleep, but was careful to stay on the opposite side of the bed because she was afraid it would be too awkward.

As the night wore on, she found herself drawing nearer to him and really enjoying the comfort and warmth she was receiving from him.

That night, she realised no matter how long you stay away from someone you love, there is a chance fate would bring you together again.

FIN

A/N: Sorry if this sucks. I haven't written for a while, and this may have a few rough patches, but I tried…